Future of 259 properties in tax man’s hands

More than 250 properties could be sold to the public online next year as a result of their owners defaulting on taxes, according to the San Luis Obispo County tax collector’s office.

But before bargain-hunters get too excited, they should know that most of the property is vacant land, much of it in the remote California Valley at the county’s eastern extreme.

In addition, the owners of the 259 parcels have until May to pay off their delinquent taxes before the Internet sale begins, and many of them are expected to pay before the sale, according to Art Bacon of the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.

The county Board of Supervisors will take up the matter Tuesday, in part to authorize the eventual auction, and to allow an expenditure of $24,000 to advertise the sale. The county would get that money back as part of the proceeds.